I had wet floors and thought it was my sunroof drains. So I ran some fish tape through them both and it didn't fix the issue. I blew some compressed air, same thing. Come to find out there was so much crap (leaves, mud, sand, rocks, etc) in the bottom of the front fenders where the sunroof drains through that it was backing up and coming in through the antenna wire hole (passenger side). I ended up pulling the fender lining out and sucking as much debris as I could with a shop vac and then hitting it with a pressure washer a few times.

Hasn't been a problem since.

Hi all - Looking for advice. Potentially purchasing a 2002 SR5 with 91k miles on it. Issue holding me back at this point is rust (the vehicle is from MD). I've attached pictures. Any advice would be much appreciated.

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^ I'd keep looking if I were you. Too bad considering the low miles but that rust looks like a can of worms waiting to be opened.

Maybe if you could get it really cheap for like $1000, mine had a similar amount of rust, not quite as bad, and I’ve spent probably hundreds of hours with a wire wheel, welder, and por15 trying to correct it, not to mention every time you need to remove a bolt it’s a complete nightmare. Whenever I replace something under mine I’ve gotten in the habit of buying all the parts in the way of the one I’m trying to get to because I know they will have to be destroyed to be removed

Keep away from rust on major components!!!!

I am in south central WI so we have a little different definition of rusty

I am always jealous when i see what other areas consider a rusted truck

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Ok, new guy here. I am set to purchase a 2004 4runner Limited v8 with 130k miles from Wisconsin for $7,950 (I live in Colorado where used 4runners resell for insane prices). I would think the rust wouldn't worsen after bringing it here, but who knows.

The dealership (family owned, good reviews) has been very kind and sent me tons of pictures. I had a local mechanic check the car out and report card was pretty good for a car this old.

I've heard horror stories of frames rusting so bad that they get holes in them and mechanics won't even put them on the rack. I asked the dealership to send me pics of the frame and also talked to one of the staff (maybe owner) and she said shes very aware of that issue and inspects them thoroughly at the auction before buying. She said this one has some surface rust, but nothing bad enough to be concerned about, especially since I'm taking it back to Colorado.

What's your opinion after looking at the pics? Some spots look a little rough, some not bad at all. I don't see any holes anywhere. Assuming it's not bad, is there a way to reinforce the frame with more metal or protect it somehow?

Thanks in advance!

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Being from Colorado as well I get that the price on that is awesome, but it is too much rust imo to buy sight unseen. Looking at the control arm mount picture next to the exhaust (in general the worst spot and what breaks first) looks pretty borderline, it could just be paint bubbles or it could be a 1/8" deep. If you can get the truck 3rd party inspected and ask them to really dig into it with a screw driver or something and check the inside of the mount you will get a better idea of how deep the rust has eaten.

You can get them plated for support but you have to have good metal around the mount to attach to, and it will just add $$ the price and potential headache. Not sure if you plan on wrenching yourself but it looks like all the hardware will be a nightmare of broken bolt heads and what not which quickly adds up in time to take things apart and $$ to replace things that break. Mine has much less rust than this and I still have that issue.

Also parts of colorado still use mag-chloride so further rust might be an issue if you don't stay on top of spraying underneath.

Good luck with your search

As far as Toyota is concerned there is no such thing as too much rust.
That's why they have the factory rust package at no additional cost.
It just takes you a while to realize its included.

Clean / remove as much rust as you can then use Loctite Extend Rust Treatment and spray paint it. Did this with my 97 T4R and I had that for 16 years. I would respray every spring.

Loctite Rust Treatment, 1 Qt Btl, Opaque Extend 234981 | Zoro.com

So i just joined the 4runner family. Friends daughter was selling her 2003 and i needed something to haul up north maine. I inspected basics of the car but noticed them gem today.

How screwed am I? Repairable, normal? Just run it till i can afford one that isnt rotted.





Thanks everyone!

IMO, this is the only correct solution for people who live in rust belt/heavy snow states. i came from the IS/ Lexus world before i bought my t4r. The majority of the owners in heavy snow/rust belt states would actually locate an IS300 in california/arizona (it was usually a manual they were after), have it inspected, buy it without ever laying their actual eyes on it, and then have it shipped to them for 1-1.5k. some guys actually came out cheaper than trying to buy in their local market (local availability dictated prices A LOT on hard-er to find cars, such as a manual IS300).

im not sure what the deal is with California and certain cars being much cheaper than in other states, but im willing to bet its just cause CA has so many damn cars and options in the used market. its not like your selection is limited to some rural WI or IA town.

be diligent, do your homework, and you will be fine. i was skeptical at first, but after seeing so many people do it, i realized this is something that people do every single day.

Just one man's opinion, but that frame rail is toast.

Agreed !!!!!

Yep. Rust never sleeps.